Do you really not see a point in the fact that the Angels outspent 18 other MLB teams by AT LEAST $30 million in 2009? That is 2-3, or even more in this depressed free agent market, quality free agents that the Angels could have afforded more than 18 other teams....
...
Don't get me wrong, the system is far from perfect, I am aware of that. The issue is though, the Yankees are doing nothing that any other team in their position wouldn't do if they had the opportunity. Oh no, you take your vast profits and reinvest it in the on field product??? What is wrong with you? Why do you want to put a high quality team on the field that has a good chance to win??? What a bunch of jerks..

Dude, I’m not denying that the Angels are in the upper 1/3 of spending, but to compare the 2 teams is kind of ridiculous. In fact, to compare the Yankees’ spending with any other team is pretty ridiculous. Nobody even comes close. The drop off between the Yankees and the next highest spender is $65 million! That’s almost as much as the difference between the Angels and the bottom team on the list. I get your point that Angels still have an advantage compared to other teams, but trying to say that’s the same as the Yanks advantage is kind of absurd when you spend almost double what we do. But like I already said, I don’t blame the Yankees for investing in their team. I agree with you that it’s not their fault, it’s the system that allows it to happen that I have a problem with. If I owned a team and had that kind of money, I’d do the same.

And I can’t really speak about your generalizations about Angels fans. I don’t know who you’ve been talking too, but I don’t know anybody who tries to act like OC is a “folksy little small town”. As for the double standard the Yankees have, I’d just say you better get used to it. Of course all other fans are going to hate on the richest, most powerful franchise in baseball. When you win, of course we’ll all say it’s unfair, and of course we are going to love it when all that money can’t buy a championship. Not sure why you find this shocking. That’s the way it is in all sports. I hate the fuckin patriots too. I hate any team that's always on top as long as its not mine.

stuporfly

10-22-2009, 09:35 AM

My father, a Yankee fan since the Dodgers bailed on Brooklyn and moved to Los Angeles when he was a kid, is going to tonight's game. He said he was surprised to find so many tickets on StubHub last night, but I suppose some of the home faithful might not want to show up knowing it could all be over shortly.

stuporfly

10-22-2009, 09:38 AM

As for the double standard the Yankees have, Iíd just say you better get used to it. Of course all other fans are going to hate on the richest, most powerful franchise in baseball. When you win, of course weíll all say itís unfair, and of course we are going to love it when all that money canít buy a championship.

In fairness, what you've described isn't a double standard that the Yankees (or even their fans) have, but is rather a double standard held by people who don't like the Yankees.

And, yes - I'm sure I'm guilty of that same double standard when I think of teams like the Dallas Cowboys.

Sexecutioner

10-22-2009, 09:39 AM

My father, a Yankee fan since the Dodgers bailed on Brooklyn and moved to Los Angeles when he was a kid, is going to tonight's game. He said he was surprised to find so many tickets on StubHub last night, but I suppose some of the home faithful might not want to show up knowing it could all be over shortly.

i'll be there with my whole family. god i hope they pull this one out. i dont have high hopes of them winning the series, but at least force a game 6 or 7. dont just roll over and let those bitches win it in our house.

Sexecutioner

10-22-2009, 09:41 AM

In fairness, what you've described isn't a double standard that the Yankees (or even their fans) have, but is rather a double standard held by people who don't like the Yankees.

thats what i meant.

Down Rodeo

10-22-2009, 11:31 AM

Yet another embarrassing end to the season for the Dodgers. I think it's safe to say that starting pitching is the number one priority in the off-season. I would love to see them go get Roy Halladay but it's very unlikely.

DRcube

10-22-2009, 11:37 AM

They have to get Roy Halladay, didnt they try last year?...as long as they get some starting pitching

Still-ill

10-22-2009, 11:40 AM

They have to get Roy Halladay, didnt they try last year?...as long as they get some starting pitching

This is a man after my own heart. I have been saying this for years.

paulb

10-22-2009, 11:41 AM

Halladay in a Dodgers uniform? I cant see that happening.

TomAz

10-22-2009, 11:53 AM

The World Series is on its way to LA

With such a strong start for the Dodgers, I can see if we beat the Cardinals, were definately going to the world series

...

Sexecutioner

10-22-2009, 12:29 PM

http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/images/2002/08/06/5DskhCqO.jpg

stuporfly

10-22-2009, 12:57 PM

http://i33.tinypic.com/2v9d5rn.jpg

paulb

10-22-2009, 01:48 PM

lol, good one.... Angels wont be winning today, even though the Vegas odds are -115 for the Angels.

Gribbz

10-22-2009, 04:17 PM

Not a good start for the Yanks.

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 04:19 PM

Perhaps the Angels have confused Mr. Burnett with their batting practice pitcher?

stuporfly

10-22-2009, 04:22 PM

Perhaps the Angels have confused Mr. Burnett with their batting practice pitcher?

Yeah. I mentioned how he had me worried a page or two back. Thank goodness we've already got this series lead.

stuporfly

10-22-2009, 04:55 PM

Just had the following text exchange with my father...

Me - How shitty does Burnett look from your seats at the stadium? Because he looks super shitty on TV.

Dad - Real real real real really shitty.

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 05:57 PM

Lol @ the guy who jumped in the center field fountain. Good luck giving security the slip.

I cannot believe the atrocious pitch calling sequence on Vlad....huge opportunity to strike him out with another curveball that Vlad had just whiffed on, so they go with a fastball down the middle....brilliant

buddy

10-22-2009, 06:51 PM

i believe. now the angels bullpen holding the lead is the hard part.

buddy

10-22-2009, 06:51 PM

I cannot believe the atrocious pitch calling sequence on Vlad....huge opportunity to strike him out with another curveball that Vlad had just whiffed on, so they go with a fastball down the middle....brilliant

hughes shook him off three times to throw that pitch

humanoid

10-22-2009, 06:52 PM

hughes shook him off three times to throw that pitch

I know

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 06:52 PM

I cannot believe the atrocious pitch calling sequence on Vlad....huge opportunity to strike him out with another curveball that Vlad had just whiffed on, so they go with a fastball down the middle....brilliant

That was a little confusing. Methinks they out-thought themselves.

humanoid

10-22-2009, 06:53 PM

if he had hit his spot, it may have worked...they just needed to go real high on Vlad with the heat....he can definitely still hit thigh high fastballs

buddy

10-22-2009, 06:54 PM

nice bringing in weaver. i wouldn't even go to fuentes if im the angels. just let weaver pitch the 9th.

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 06:55 PM

nice bringing in weaver. i wouldn't even go to fuentes if im the angels. just let weaver pitch the 9th.

I was thinking the same exact thing.

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 06:57 PM

I haven't really paid much attention to Vlad at all this season but now that I am I can't help but notice how out of shape he is. Everything about him looks off, the batting stance, the swing, even the determination he looked like he used to have... What the fuck happened?

humanoid

10-22-2009, 06:59 PM

I haven't really paid much attention to Vlad at all this season but now that I am I can't help but notice how out of shape he is. Everything about him looks off, the batting stance, the swing, even the determination he looked like he used to have... What the fuck happened?

God I remember his years with the Expos and his first year with the Angels when he won the MVP and they had won the AL West for the first time in God know's how many years. He was unreal back then. He's not aging well at all.

God I remember his years with the Expos and his first year with the Angels when he won the MVP and they had won the AL West for the first time in God know's how many years. He was unreal back then. He's not aging well at all.

for years he was my favorite player from another team

he was so athletic and exciting, then he got huge and stopped being able to move like an athlete

could be related to several years on the turf in Montreal

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:08 PM

for years he was my favorite player from another team

he was so athletic and exciting, then he got huge and stopped being able to move like an athlete

could be related to several years on the turf in Montreal

If anything coming to Anaheim probably saved his career, I remember hearing that players dreaded going to old Olympic Stadium because the turf was like concrete.

What do you think the chances of Anaheim re-signing him are?

buddy

10-22-2009, 07:15 PM

shit they're bringing fuentes in

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:15 PM

NOOOOOOOO!

Gribbz

10-22-2009, 07:17 PM

2.45 post season ERA.

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:19 PM

I have this feeling Fuentes is going to blow it. I hope I'm wrong.

buddy

10-22-2009, 07:19 PM

walk arod

Gribbz

10-22-2009, 07:21 PM

Now Matsui is going to hit a bomb.

suprefan

10-22-2009, 07:21 PM

Ok, 1 out IS NOT THAT HARD TO DO. COME ON HALOS.

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:25 PM

Ok, 1 out IS NOT THAT HARD TO DO. COME ON HALOS.

It was for the Dodgers.

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 07:25 PM

And the plot thickens. I say he gets this out and ends it but this is exciting none the less.

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 07:26 PM

:eek:

suprefan

10-22-2009, 07:26 PM

NEVERMIND THIS IS TURNING INTO DODGERS GAME 4

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:26 PM

WOW

suprefan

10-22-2009, 07:27 PM

It was for the Dodgers.

YEAH BUT THEY GOT THAT DEFENSE!

edit: NVM AGAIN, FOUL!

JustSteve

10-22-2009, 07:31 PM

jesus.

ThomThom

10-22-2009, 07:32 PM

My God.

suprefan

10-22-2009, 07:33 PM

finally

paulb

10-22-2009, 07:34 PM

so close :(

buddy

10-22-2009, 07:42 PM

angels don't ever let fuentes pitch with game on the line. it's like i was watching pabelbon all over again.

humanoid

10-22-2009, 09:38 PM

Dude, Iím not denying that the Angels are in the upper 1/3 of spending, but to compare the 2 teams is kind of ridiculous. In fact, to compare the Yankeesí spending with any other team is pretty ridiculous. Nobody even comes close. The drop off between the Yankees and the next highest spender is $65 million! Thatís almost as much as the difference between the Angels and the bottom team on the list. I get your point that Angels still have an advantage compared to other teams, but trying to say thatís the same as the Yanks advantage is kind of absurd when you spend almost double what we do. But like I already said, I donít blame the Yankees for investing in their team. I agree with you that itís not their fault, itís the system that allows it to happen that I have a problem with. If I owned a team and had that kind of money, Iíd do the same.

And I canít really speak about your generalizations about Angels fans. I donít know who youíve been talking too, but I donít know anybody who tries to act like OC is a ďfolksy little small townĒ. As for the double standard the Yankees have, Iíd just say you better get used to it. Of course all other fans are going to hate on the richest, most powerful franchise in baseball. When you win, of course weíll all say itís unfair, and of course we are going to love it when all that money canít buy a championship. Not sure why you find this shocking. Thatís the way it is in all sports. I hate the fuckin patriots too. I hate any team that's always on top as long as its not mine.

I think it's a weak excuse to use when you guys are clearly a great team and have competed at an extraordinarily competitive level, at times even much better than the Yankees over the last 7-10 years. I don't understand the inferiority complex rearing it's ugly head because the Yankees go up 3-1 in a playoff series. I will not believe it's over until it absolutely is, I don't understand Angel fans already using the money excuse before the series is even done....what if you guys come back and win the series? won't it just make the fans using the money excuse look like a bunch of cry babies? Then it will be, "The Angels OWN the Yankees, the Yankees are a bunch of overpaid choke artists!! All that money spent doesn't buy you a damn thing!!!"""......well, what is it? does the money buy championships. or does it not????

I am not naive to the Yankees overpaying a lot of their players, it's obvious that has happened on numerous occasions. What does the dollar amount mean though when comparing 2 top quality teams like the Yankees and Angels? Your talent level is clearly very near that of the Yankees. The Yankees happen to have players of a more veteran persuasion that due to the structure of salaries and arbitration in MLB, happen to have arrived at free agency prior to the mostly younger guys on the Angels. Figgins is about to become a bigger name, higher paid a free agent...next year when he's making what is likely to be considerably more money, he will still be the exact same player that he has been for the last couple years. Same thing will happen with Lackey, now that he's a free agent, he's going to be paid considerably more than he is now....but that doesn't mean he's a different pitcher than he has been for years because he'll be making 1.5 to 2 times more than he was this year. It will happen with Weaver and Saunders eventually as well. They are still high quality pitchers, even if they haven't reached their free agent years yet. Is AJ Burnett better than the Angels pitchers just because the Yankees overpaid for him, contributing to their overall team payroll? I would put most of the Angels pitchers up against him at any time.

My point is, I can understand a Pittsburgh or Minnesota fan saying, "it's so unfair, the Yankees payroll permits them to outspend mistakes" or something similar, I just will never understand supposedly confident fans of one of the absolute best teams in MLB who happen to have plenty of financial resources themselves, suddenly whining about money because the Yankees happen to get off to a good start in a playoff series against the Angels for the first time ever. You guys are clearly in it, and as familiar with this matchup as I am, I would never presume it's over until I'm absolutely positive that it is.

humanoid

10-22-2009, 09:39 PM

PS...I'm not sure I would do THAT much worse than Swisher is at the plate right now

You make fun of the Mets one more time I'll smack you upside the head.

It's a shame you're right though.

boarderwoozel3

10-22-2009, 10:32 PM

Just don't throw a battery at me :p

vinylmartyr

10-23-2009, 07:35 AM

Thinking at least we're not losing to the Mets or the Giants was the only thing that comforted me through the NLCS.

TomAz

10-23-2009, 07:47 AM

hey Jeff and other Dodgers fans. This McCourt divorce thing is gonna get really ugly and spiteful and the future of the Dodgers is at stake. Soon-to-be-ex-wife fired as CEO yesterday. S.T.B.E.W lining up investors to buy out soon-to-be-ex-husband's 50% stake. S.T.B.E.H. not interested in selling.

vinylmartyr

10-23-2009, 07:50 AM

I haven't really paid much attention to that yet but it sounds like it could suck for us.

iv3rdawG

10-24-2009, 02:39 PM

Game is postponed until tomorrow.

humanoid

10-24-2009, 03:09 PM

sucks...but I have more free time to sit on my ass and watch tomorrow night

Sexecutioner

10-24-2009, 04:30 PM

I think it's a weak excuse to use when you guys are clearly a great team and have competed at an extraordinarily competitive level, at times even much better than the Yankees over the last 7-10 years. I don't understand the inferiority complex rearing it's ugly head because the Yankees go up 3-1 in a playoff series. I will not believe it's over until it absolutely is, I don't understand Angel fans already using the money excuse before the series is even done....what if you guys come back and win the series? won't it just make the fans using the money excuse look like a bunch of cry babies? Then it will be, "The Angels OWN the Yankees, the Yankees are a bunch of overpaid choke artists!! All that money spent doesn't buy you a damn thing!!!"""......well, what is it? does the money buy championships. or does it not????

blah blah ... blah blah

My point is, I can understand a Pittsburgh or Minnesota fan saying, "it's so unfair, the Yankees payroll permits them to outspend mistakes" or something similar, I just will never understand supposedly confident fans of one of the absolute best teams in MLB who happen to have plenty of financial resources themselves, suddenly whining about money because the Yankees happen to get off to a good start in a playoff series against the Angels for the first time ever. You guys are clearly in it, and as familiar with this matchup as I am, I would never presume it's over until I'm absolutely positive that it is.

dude, did you even read my post that you quoted? i'm basically agreeing with you that its a double standard, and that yanks are damned if they do, and damned if they dont. the bottom line is that rival fans want to find ways to talk shit on the teams they hate. if we beat you, money cant buy championships, and if you beat us, its cuz you have an unfair advantage cuz all the money you spend. get used to it, cuz that sports.

that being said though, when you outspend our team by 90 mil, i dont think you can be surprised when fans bring that up when you kick our ass. i mean, that's a lot of cash.

to be honest though, your team really is a model for all other teams, and it's just sad that yours is the only one who puts it all on the line to win championships, when other owners are content to sit around losing as long as they keep making a profit. i heard somewhere that the yanks spend so much that if they dont make the playoffs and get that extra revenue, they actually lose money. quite a gamble. i actually admire that. just hate the system that allows the other owners to sit around and cash in while their teams suck ass.

paulb

10-24-2009, 04:35 PM

:( rain out

Sexecutioner

10-24-2009, 04:36 PM

oh, and almost forgot...

HOLY SHIT THAT LAST GAME WAS AMAZING. probably the 2nd best baseball game I've ever been to. rally monkey was in full effect! definitely got our moneys worth. I brought a buddy of mine whos a yankees fan, and as pissed as he was, he was still pretty stoked on going to a game that was that intense, win or lose. what a great way to spend my birthday with the fam. we had angels season tix growing up, and they always sucked back then, so its nice to finally have some success, even though i dont really follow baseball that much anymore. would have been way better when i was a kid and baseball was my life.

Sexecutioner

10-24-2009, 04:38 PM

:( rain out

yea, this fuckin sucks. planned my night around the game, now have nothin to do...

stuporfly

10-25-2009, 08:08 PM

Fuck YEAH!

superfiction

10-25-2009, 08:09 PM

goddamnit

gaypalmsprings

10-25-2009, 08:11 PM

I loved that error when he threw over the head of the first baseman. Ha.

Still-ill

10-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Angels out makes it easier to go to work as a dodgers fan monday. Also makes it easier to hang around my Staten Island-born father tomorrow.

superfiction

10-25-2009, 08:13 PM

I loved that error when he threw over the head of the first baseman. Ha.

yeah seriously. what the fuck

Gribbz

10-25-2009, 08:16 PM

Oh well. I wouldn't have watched if it were an Angels/Phillies World Series.

ThomThom

10-25-2009, 08:19 PM

Congratulations to the Yankees.

Also, my condolences against Cliff Lee in Game 1.

superfiction

10-25-2009, 08:26 PM

Oh well. I wouldn't have watched if it were an Angels/Phillies World Series.

this is how i feel about a yankees phillies series. but i guess ill watch anyway

paulb

10-25-2009, 08:51 PM

YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who thinks Phillies are going to win, are fools.

WhyTheLongFace

10-25-2009, 08:55 PM

YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who thinks Phillies are going to win, are fools.

This

TomAz

10-25-2009, 08:55 PM

I hate the yankees. fucking steinbrenners are everything wrong with sports today.

but I don't see anybody beating them. Twins'll get swept. sox or angels will get crushed. then whatever weakling comes out of the NL will also lose.

I am so glad it's football season. fuck the yankees.

I wrote this 17 days ago. I believe it is still accurate in every respect.

Still-ill

10-25-2009, 08:56 PM

Paul... my father the most disgustingly outrageous Yankee fan of all time doesn't like the Yankees against the Phillies. Yankee bats haven't fully awoken yet.

PlayaDelWes

10-25-2009, 08:58 PM

I wrote this 17 days ago. I believe it is still accurate in every respect.

You should pull it up in a couple weeks and pat yourself on the back again.

paulb

10-25-2009, 08:59 PM

Yankees pitching>phillies pitching...and Ill say Yankees batting will be on par with the Phillies....but we have the edge...

Still-ill

10-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Yankees pitching>phillies pitching

-ish.

ThomThom

10-25-2009, 09:05 PM

The Yankees should win, they have enough shiny new expensive toys to win it but don't count the Phillies completely out of this. They have the most dominant pitcher in the big league's and a fairly deep bullpen, it may not be the best, but it's deep. This is aside from the slew of fantastic hitters they have on their lineup.

Still-ill

10-25-2009, 09:11 PM

Yankees bullpen is suspect outside of Rivera sometimes. Joba and Hughes are talented as anything but haven't proven themselves at all. I'm going for the Yankees, but I see no reason why anyone would think the Yankees are going to walk all over the Defending Champs.

ThomThom

10-25-2009, 09:17 PM

Yeah there are definitely issues of inconsistency in the Yankees bullpen. I also think the Phillies batting lineup is much more balanced. Back in May this same lineup beat both of the Yankees aces, Sabathia and Burnett. I think the only concern in the Phillies bullpen believe it or not is their ace closer Lidge. He's been known to crack under pressure in the playoffs.

boarderwoozel3

10-25-2009, 09:18 PM

YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who thinks Phillies are going to win, are fools.

That's an impressive bit of hubris considering you're playing the reigning champs who've gotten stronger since this time last year and happen to be rolling. All thing considered, I'd say your statement is asinine at best.

Gribbz

10-25-2009, 09:19 PM

That's an impressive bit of hubris considering you're playing the reigning champs who've gotten stronger since this time last year and happen to be rolling. All thing considered, I'd say your statement is asinine at best.

Well he also subtly said The Presets were more talented than Paul McCartney.

TomAz

10-25-2009, 09:20 PM

You should pull it up in a couple weeks and pat yourself on the back again.

I don't think I will need to wait that long.

My only hope -- i.e., the only hope I have of being wrong, and therefore much happier than being right -- is that the Phillies are a different team in the playoffs. Tough, resilient, and battle-tested, they can take it to the Yankees' country club of soft billionaires and beat their overpriced asses. We can only hope, right?

ThomThom

10-25-2009, 09:20 PM

Well he also subtly said The Presets were more talented than Paul McCartney.

Come on guys, he's Canadian.

ThomThom

10-25-2009, 09:22 PM

I don't think I will need to wait that long.

My only hope -- i.e., the only hope I have of being wrong, and therefore much happier than being right -- is that the Phillies are a different team in the playoffs. Tough, resilient, and battle-tested, they can take it to the Yankees' country club of soft billionaires and beat their overpriced asses. We can only hope, right?

I actually do think the Phillies are a much more explosive team in the playoffs. Also, they have Cliff Lee now.

boarderwoozel3

10-25-2009, 09:23 PM

We're all guilty of favoring that which we're passionate about.

None the less, I'm looking forward to Wednesday and expect a 6-7 game series.

TomAz

10-25-2009, 09:23 PM

That's an impressive bit of hubris considering you're playing the reigning champs who've gotten stronger since this time last year and happen to be rolling. All thing considered, I'd say your statement is asinine at best.

A Yankees fan saying the Yankees are going to win is not asinine.

Rooting for the Yankees, however, is per se asinine. It's like rooting for Microsoft.

Still-ill

10-25-2009, 09:32 PM

Someone has to have the highest payroll... this is the first world series they have been in in the last 6-7 years. We're not going to look back on this decade and think of Yankee domination.

great win Yanks, the Angels are an extremely tough team. Strangely, they played like they were a little nervous while in NY, I didn't expect that from them.

The World Series is going to be a battle. I appreciate Paul's enthusiastic confidence, but anything can happen in the World Series, so I'm not making any overzealous predictions. Baseball has a way of making you look stupid when you are too cocky.

Cliff Lee may have been dominant against the Dodgers, but to call him the most dominant pitcher in MLB is simply not true. Great pitcher, yes...and he'll be tough on the NYY lefties, but Jeter, Arod, Teixeira, Posada and Swisher have all had success against him in limited opportunities...and he's never pitched in Yankee Stadium in the World Series...whole new ballgame.

I can't wait for the World Series, it's gonna be awesome

stuporfly

10-26-2009, 04:30 AM

Just don't throw a battery at me :p

A friend of mine was at a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden in the '80s, and someone threw a 'D' battery from somewhere in the cheap seats that somehow nailed the opposing goalie right in the mask, knocking him out. Not cool, fellow New Yorkers. Not cool.

The Yankees should feel confident, but not overly so, even as 2-1 favorites over the Phillies. The Angels played well, and if not for a few unbelievably ridiculous errors in physical play and judgment, we might at the very least be looking at a seventh game to settle the ALCS. Guerrero getting doubled up at first on that early fly out to right was unforgivably stupid, and even though it had no impact on the eventual outcome of the game, the two errors in the 8th - Kendrick's dropped ball and Kazmir's sudden onset of the yips - didn't help matters much. The Angels looked defeated in that dugout in the top of the 9th.

On another note, I'll be listening to games on the radio and watching them on television as the World Series unfolds. There is no pair in broadcasting I loathe more than Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. Countless times they noted Nick Swisher's presence in the lineup despite a poor showing in the playoffs, yet not once was Chone Figgins given the same treatment. The guy has a similarly shitty average heading into last night's game, and he's a leadoff hitter. It was satisfying for me to see Swisher make a contribution both offensively and defensively, especially in light of all that.

The Phillies are probably going to be a lot tougher than a 2-1 underdog. It's going to be a good series.

stuporfly

10-26-2009, 07:51 AM

A Yankees fan saying the Yankees are going to win is not asinine.

Rooting for the Yankees, however, is per se asinine. It's like rooting for Microsoft.

That's an oversimplification, though I will say I always root for Microsoft to not fuck up my laptop. Does that count?

I've chosen exactly one sports team to support since becoming an adult - English football club Aston Villa. The others - the Yankees and Knicks, primarily - have been with me since childhood, the result of going to countless games with my father or friends.

My father grew up a New York Giants fan, with Willie Mays his hero. But when they and the Brooklyn Dodgers (who he also liked, though not as much) abandoned New York for the left coast during his childhood, he switched allegiances to the Yankees, preferring to root, root, root for the home team rather than catch the odd Giants game on the radio.

I entered Yankee fandom when the team wasn't what it once was, with the Miracle Mets winning their first World Series two weeks to the day after I was born. The Yanks got hot when I was in elementary school, and my allegiance was cemented when, thanks to fortuitously attending day camp with Graig Nettles' son, I got to meet some of the members of the Bronx Zoo in the midst of that late '70s run. My hero (Reggie Jackson) wasn't on hand, but I got to shake hands with Nettles, Bucky Dent, Chris Chambliss, Mickey Rivers, Willie Randolph, Ron Guidry and a few others.

In the '80s and the early '90s, the Yankees kind of stunk up the Bronx, but I was still with them, rooting for Don Mattingly in his ultimately fruitless quest to become part of something worthy of his own talent and drive.

And then the "dynasty" happened, and I felt rewarded for years of pulling for a team which I'd loved since sitting with my father in the stands at Yankee Stadium as a young boy, a joy that was upended by divorce and his eventual move across country for Hollywood fame and fortune. We still got to Yankee games as often as possible, especially in the '90s.

We were there together in our favored upper deck seats behind home plate where we could see everything for so many incredible moments, including the legendary brawl between the Yanks and the Orioles on May 19, 1998. That game is most remembered for Baltimore reliever Armando Benitez setting off the bench-clearing riot by drilling Tino Martinez in the side, but lost in the hype of that melee was Tim Raines cooly stepping into the box immediately after the scrum ended and sending the first pitch he saw into the right field bleachers.

I'm not going to get into the played out conversation over money spent on rosters, or whether it's jealousy or some quaint notion that every team regardless of how much dough they generate for the league as a whole should be forced to spend exactly the same on putting their teams together. I've been a Yankee fan since I was a little kid, since before Microsoft even existed.

Some baseball fans choose to separate the present day Yankees from their (ugly resistance to integration aside) glorious history. I can't do that, and even if I'm cynical about free agency, I see a link that connects lifelong modern Yankees like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Mariano Rivera to those of the past, like Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and Whitey Ford. Players traded to the Yankees have also become essential pieces of the greater historical puzzle, from Babe Ruth to Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez and, yes, now more than ever before, even Alex Rodriguez.

I'll take the barbs and the bullshit and stick with the Yankees. They're my team.

Still-ill

10-26-2009, 09:11 AM

Oh yeah Scioscia pinch-hitting Mathis in a big situation... What the fuck was that all about, he was clearly there best hitter at that time. We haven't discussed that yet.

humanoid

10-26-2009, 09:21 AM

Oh yeah Socia pinch-hitting Mathis in a big situation... What the fuck was that all about, he was clearly there best hitter at that time. We haven't discussed that yet.

Mathis was ridiculously hot this series, I was glad to not see him step to the plate again...

Izturis was extremely clutch for them all year, hitting over .300 with runners in scoring position, so Scioscia was likely strictly looking at numbers and hoping to be fortunate

Still-ill

10-26-2009, 09:27 AM

The game isn't played on paper...

humanoid

10-26-2009, 09:35 AM

The game isn't played on paper...

well I know that...I didn't say that's what I would have done

that was exactly what happened with Girardi too in game 3 when he brought in Aceves to try and get Kendrick and Mathis after Robertson had already gotten 2 outs in the inning

he had stats telling him Kendrick had better odds against a pitcher throwing the same type of stuff Robertson did, so he immediately went to Aceves, and it backfired terribly

Still-ill

10-26-2009, 09:37 AM

Yes exactly the same. Overmanaging... Everyone on earth has a better chance against the batting practice-like Aceves. Hah.

humanoid

10-26-2009, 09:46 AM

Yes exactly the same. Overmanaging... Everyone on earth has a better chance against the batting practice-like Aceves. Hah.

I know that I would rather face Aceves than the guy (Robertson)who had the second highest strikeout per 9innings ratio in MLB to Broxton

statistical analysis is great, but definitely has to be balanced with a real life knowledge of how baseball actually works on the field, instead of the often over reliance upon numbers that seems to be prevalent nowadays.

Hopeless Semantic

10-26-2009, 01:57 PM

Alot of interesting mistakes made by the Angels in the LCS this year, not entirely sure how that happened. But, you have to give the Yankees credit for closing it out in 6. I'm not a huge fan of type of team the Yankees have, but it works for N.Y. and will until they cap baseball or something along that line...

Hats off the the Angels though...for all that they went through from losing their beloved scout Preston to the horrific tragedy of losing a promising starting pitcher in Nick Adenhart, they managed to overcome an understandably slow start to run away with their 3rd straight American West title. The errors and a lack of consistent offensive push did them in against the Yankees and it's not a bad thing making it to the LCS and losing to a team like the Yanks.

They will, however, have a lot of questions next year with the likes of Figgins, Guerrero, Lackey, and Abreu are all unrestricted free agents and how exactly is their starting rotation going to look like with supposedly Escobar coming back and Santana seeking an extension.

Thank you Angels for an inspired run...at least they finally beat the dreaded Red Sox.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 04:21 PM

Is it just me or is Sabathia terrified to throw a fast ball?

gaypalmsprings

10-28-2009, 04:22 PM

Is it me, or is the World Series off to a boring start?

humanoid

10-28-2009, 04:23 PM

Is it just me or is Sabathia terrified to throw a fast ball?

yeah, that was pretty bizarre...hopefully he'll straighten that out

humanoid

10-28-2009, 04:25 PM

Is it just me or is Sabathia terrified to throw a fast ball?

apparently he has no fastball command from the looks of it so far

humanoid

10-28-2009, 04:29 PM

ok, that inning looked better...after the 3-0 start to Francisco

humanoid

10-28-2009, 04:30 PM

Is it me, or is the World Series off to a boring start?

well, it was nothing compared to a thrilling Nascar race if that's what you mean

gaypalmsprings

10-28-2009, 04:31 PM

well, it was nothing compared to a thrilling Nascar race if that's what you mean

Doesn't even compare to lawn bowling.

Gribbz

10-28-2009, 04:35 PM

Remember when The World Series used to end in October?

humanoid

10-28-2009, 04:39 PM

Remember when The World Series used to end in October?

well, they have to schedule it around So You Think You Can Dance

gaypalmsprings

10-28-2009, 04:40 PM

I remember when it was during the daytime, & we watched it in class.

Gribbz

10-28-2009, 04:42 PM

well, they have to schedule it around So You Think You Can Dance

Oooh, that's right. Priorities.

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 04:43 PM

Damn, Rollins almost hit it out.

Let's go Phils!

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 04:51 PM

Utleeeeey!!

Gribbz

10-28-2009, 05:06 PM

They just showed Arrrrec Barrrrdwin.

Gribbz

10-28-2009, 05:20 PM

Cliff Lee spits hot fire.

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 05:25 PM

Lee is fucking nasty tonight and C.C. has settled down.

I just wish the rain would stop coming down, this could be a long one.

TallGuyCM

10-28-2009, 05:34 PM

Whenever they show Chase Utley in the dugout without a hat on he looks like the slimiest motherfucker.

Gribbz

10-28-2009, 05:46 PM

Jacked.

boarderwoozel3

10-28-2009, 05:46 PM

Damn, that was deep. In cold, wet, heavy air no less.

DRcube

10-28-2009, 05:46 PM

damn utley again!

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 05:46 PM

Utleeeeey!!

x2

Wow.

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 05:48 PM

That lil' slimy bastard is owning C.C. tonight.

boarderwoozel3

10-28-2009, 05:48 PM

Whenever they show Chase Utley in the dugout without a hat on he looks like the slimiest motherfucker.

If the Phillies can close this one out, you have to believe that they would love their chances against Burnett in game 2.

Hopeless Semantic

10-28-2009, 07:21 PM

Wow...I know the Phillies' bullpen is suspect, but right now the Yankees have to be concerned with theirs. Besides Rivera, they aren't fearsome esp against a potent lineup like this...

suprefan

10-28-2009, 07:24 PM

And a typical phillies throwing error occurs. They are still winning it though. I dont know what Paulb is thinking right now that they actually have a chance of winning..

Hopeless Semantic

10-28-2009, 07:27 PM

lolArod...

suprefan

10-28-2009, 07:29 PM

That was nasty, see you Posada. So close to truly embarrasing NY. Still though, took them 9 innings to hit the freaking ball.

Ardentbiscuit

10-28-2009, 07:29 PM

Yawn, what a boring World Series.

i wish there was a no winner on account of both teams being lame ruling.

gaypalmsprings

10-28-2009, 07:31 PM

A blow out - and not in a good way.

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 07:31 PM

Fuck yeah, Phillies.

suprefan

10-28-2009, 07:35 PM

Fuck yeah, Phillies.

http://www.hobartpulp.com/website/april/phanatic1.jpg

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 07:37 PM

Yankees gotta believe that they are going to have to beat Pedro. Hammels and Blanton are not that good, pedro can go either way, and Lee can not (and probably will not) throw three games in one series. The shortest rest he has had in his entire career is the regular 5 days.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 07:39 PM

Paul... my father the most disgustingly outrageous Yankee fan of all time doesn't like the Yankees against the Phillies. Yankee bats haven't fully awoken yet.

Yankees bullpen is suspect outside of Rivera sometimes. Joba and Hughes are talented as anything but haven't proven themselves at all. I'm going for the Yankees, but I see no reason why anyone would think the Yankees are going to walk all over the Defending Champs.

Just for the record :)

boarderwoozel3

10-28-2009, 07:44 PM

Good times.

Hopeless Semantic

10-28-2009, 07:44 PM

Hamels is the wild card. He's capable of pitching like Lee did tonight. If he does that in Gm. 3, it'll be tough to beat Philly. CC didn't at all pitch bad; just got outpitchef by Lee.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 07:45 PM

Hamels is the wild card. He's capable of pitching like Lee did tonight. If he does that in Gm. 3, it'll be tough to beat Philly. CC didn't at all pitch bad; just got outpitchef by Lee.

No he can't.

Edit: That may be a little harsh. He won't is probably more appropriate.

Hopeless Semantic

10-28-2009, 07:51 PM

No he can't.

Edit: That may be a little harsh. He won't is probably more appropriate.

At home...possibly up 2-0...don't count him out. It isn't like the guy has never been lights out--last year's WS denotes otherwise. He may not be going at the same rate as '08, to think he isn't capable is discounting a former WS MVP...we will have to wait and see.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 07:54 PM

He's not the same pitcher.

Here is how the Yankees have to look at it. The rest of the Phillies rotation is nothing on par with what Lee is doing out there. Pedro is capable obviously. I think the Yankees can easily sneak the next three, or lose the next three. Them scoring a run at the end and showing some life at the end was huge.

gmoneyak

10-28-2009, 07:56 PM

AJ Burnett is definitely beatable as well. NY is going to have to put up 4+ runs to have a chance.

A hard throwing right-hander with control issues vs. Philly's powerful lefties = No walk in the park

TallGuyCM

10-28-2009, 08:01 PM

In this series it's like a battle of who I hate more.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 08:13 PM

Yeah the next couple games are a coin-flip.

paulb

10-28-2009, 08:27 PM

this game sucked....

JustSteve

10-28-2009, 09:00 PM

proud to say i don't even know who won tonight.

Still-ill

10-28-2009, 09:05 PM

proud to say i don't even know who won tonight.

You an Angels fan?

suprefan

10-28-2009, 09:15 PM

X0DMr1n5Ggs

buddy

10-28-2009, 11:09 PM

gotta say i'm excited to see pedro pitching against the yanks again. should make for good tv. i think he has a decent chance of winning the game with the burnett looking beatable in his last outing.

boarderwoozel3

10-28-2009, 11:32 PM

In all fairness Burnett has been much better at home this season.

Still-ill

10-29-2009, 07:15 AM

Aaaand Burnett really settled down and pitched well after that first inning.

stuporfly

10-29-2009, 07:34 AM

Woof - Cliff Lee sure was good last night. Hope the Yanks can let Pedro know he should have stayed out of the league in Game 2.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 08:30 AM

AJ Burnett is definitely beatable as well. NY is going to have to put up 4+ runs to have a chance.

A hard throwing right-hander with control issues vs. Philly's powerful lefties = No walk in the park

nice game Phillies, Lee was ridiculous last night...

you're absolutely right, AJ Burnett is never a walk in the park, but he could also totally dominate the Phillies if he's on

The Yankees are unlikely to get shut down twice in a row at Yankee Stadium, Pedro better watch himself

boarderwoozel3

10-29-2009, 04:29 PM

First blood - Stairs via suspect defense by Arod.

suprefan

10-29-2009, 04:47 PM

Tried to field it like a girl.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 05:31 PM

hopefully that was Teixeira waking up....he has been dreadfully cold so far this postseason

suprefan

10-29-2009, 06:13 PM

Lets go golfing Matsui says.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 06:16 PM

Lets go golfing Matsui says.

that was a great pitch, Matsui just read it perfectly

humanoid

10-29-2009, 07:09 PM

through the first 2 games of the World Series, Arod now looks even worse than he ever has!!! even after hitting very well through the first 2 series

0-8 with 6 strikeouts is absolutely brutal!

suprefan

10-29-2009, 07:24 PM

Here comes Paul........

gaypalmsprings

10-29-2009, 07:24 PM

1-1 in series. Still boring. I can't believe I watched the whole thing.

dorkfish

10-29-2009, 07:25 PM

A-Rod and myself are tied with career World Series hits.

Still-ill

10-29-2009, 07:29 PM

hopefully that was Teixeira waking up....he has been dreadfully cold so far this postseason

Quality over quantity I'd say.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 07:29 PM

A-Rod and myself are tied with career World Series hits.

I had a strange feeling that this might happen with him after everyone got so excited about him shedding his recent playoff demons.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 07:29 PM

Quality over quantity I'd say.

so would he

Still-ill

10-29-2009, 07:31 PM

A-Rod and myself are tied with career World Series hits.

Same here. I have a lot less strikeouts though.

Still-ill

10-29-2009, 07:32 PM

so would he

Hah, So would my father apparently.

paulb

10-29-2009, 07:33 PM

Here comes Paul........

Burnett was really impressive, wow.... A-rod, what a joke... Glad its 1-1...I fully believe Pettitte can out pitch Hammels anyday...

AJ stepped up tonight, Yankee fans can let out a huge exhale now. If they would've lost tonight this series truly would be over.

I would be concerned about overusing Rivera, though.

paulb

10-29-2009, 07:57 PM

Im shocked AJ didnt go out for the 8th... based on the fact that he was able to get a 1,2,3 7th inning, as opposed to his 7th inning in Anaheim after just getting a lead...

boarderwoozel3

10-29-2009, 08:26 PM

AJ stepped up tonight, Yankee fans can let out a huge exhale now. If they would've lost tonight this series truly would be over.

I would be concerned about overusing Rivera, though.

He's hasn't been overused recently and was guaranteed to have tomorrow off. It's a safe play.

humanoid

10-29-2009, 08:31 PM

1-1 in series. Still boring. I can't believe I watched the whole thing.

are you a baseball fan? or do you just like to complain about being bored?

Son of MJK

10-29-2009, 08:40 PM

AJ needs to be rested for Game 5 on 3 days rest. Girardi and Eiland figured 7 strong was enough for MO to take over for the last two innings. Joe made a mistake last series with leaving Burnett in there for maybe too long in Game 5 of the ALCS. Yanks need to take at least 1, and I am hopeful for 2 in Philly.

paulb

10-29-2009, 08:56 PM

Pettitte WILL win Game 3...fact. CC starting game 4, if against Lee will be another nail biter...and AJ in game 5 will be another toss up, which AJ will show up.

Still-ill

10-29-2009, 08:59 PM

Pettitte WILL win Game 3...fact. CC starting game 4, if against Lee will be another nail biter...and AJ in game 5 will be another toss up, which AJ will show up.

Oh Paul...

Still-ill

10-31-2009, 06:57 PM

Swisher knocked in by Pettitte? How unlikely. This has already been the best game of the series to watch.

humanoid

10-31-2009, 08:13 PM

Swisher knocked in by Pettitte? How unlikely. This has already been the best game of the series to watch.

the fact that Swisher was on base? or that Petitte got the RBI single?

it has been a great game....after the first couple innings!

TomAz

10-31-2009, 08:19 PM

The Yankees are why the NFL is much more popular than MLB.

Still-ill

10-31-2009, 08:35 PM

the fact that Swisher was on base? or that Petitte got the RBI single?

it has been a great game....after the first couple innings!

Both. But, Swisher played fantastic in this one.

Still-ill

10-31-2009, 08:35 PM

The Yankees are why the NFL is much more popular than MLB.

I agree, the Yankees have completely dominated this decade.

...

paulb

10-31-2009, 08:55 PM

Def the best game of the world series so far! So much energy and lots to talk about... Pettitte's RBI hit was impressive...Swisher hitting a double/HR...A-rod 2run homer, HBPx2, walk...Matsui pinch hit homer.... Hammels going into the 4th looking incredibly dominant, then blowing it.... great game...2-1!

I think with CC vs Blanton, we've got this in the bag...I have no stress now.

humanoid

10-31-2009, 08:56 PM

Both. But, Swisher played fantastic in this one.

yeah he did...I was just messing around, that's the exact type of player Swisher is.....looks terrible for long stretches, then looks like an All Star for a week...that's why he's a .245 career hitter

paulb

11-01-2009, 08:57 PM

What a finish!!! Damon had a great at bat in the 9th, clearly player of the game...and a massive clutch hit by A-rod/Posada.... I had a feeling if it went 4-4 in to bottom 9th with Phil Coke starting, the game was over, and it was going to be a 2-2 series with Cliff lee pitching tomorrow, which easily could be won by them.... but wow... I feel momentum has changed, and now this will be over very soon.

humanoid

11-01-2009, 09:17 PM

incredible....great to see several of them clutch up in the 9th...

Lidge started out so strong against Matsui and Jeter, but Damon's tough AB and heads up baserunning was huge...totally rattled Lidge

let's finish it out tomorrow night

gmoneyak

11-01-2009, 09:19 PM

BooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOo

God I hate the Yankees.

buddy

11-01-2009, 09:22 PM

lidge hasn't had it all year. not surprising he blew it. credit to the yanks, though. cc and burnett. a-rod, damon, etc. they're coming up with big plays when they need them.

stuporfly

11-02-2009, 10:14 AM

I took my daughter to Yankee Stadium last night. It was open free to fans to watch the game on the Jumbotron in center field. We were in the second row at field level just up the third base line, and we had a blast.

humanoid

11-02-2009, 10:16 AM

I took my daughter to Yankee Stadium last night. It was open free to fans to watch the game on the Jumbotron in center field. We were in the second row at field level just up the third base line, and we had a blast.

I've got a pretty nice high-definition television. It's clear, has fantastic sound and is probably slightly too large and audacious for the space in which it sits in my living room. But I still came away from Yankee Stadium last night with TV envy.

suprefan

11-02-2009, 04:48 PM

So Alanis Morrisette is singing the national anthem wtf?

suprefan

11-02-2009, 06:22 PM

There goes burnett, hahaha.

boarderwoozel3

11-02-2009, 08:31 PM

Exciting stuff. Utley deserves the series MVP regardless of how it turns out. Is there any precedent for a player on the losing team winning series MVP?

malcolmjamalawesome

11-02-2009, 08:35 PM

According to WikiAnswers,
Bobby Richardson (1960 Yankees) and Jim Longbord (67 Red Sox) are the only 2 to do it. I think it typically doesn't happen because there's so little value in being a loser.

humanoid

11-02-2009, 08:37 PM

Exciting stuff. Utley deserves the series MVP regardless of how it turns out. Is there any precedent for a player on the losing team winning series MVP?

the only one I know of is Bobby Richardson from the 1960 Yankees...he set the World Series Rbi mark, but they lost the series on Bill Mazeroski's HR

humanoid

11-02-2009, 08:37 PM

Bob Gibson was the 1967 World Series MVP

boarderwoozel3

11-02-2009, 08:38 PM

True. But there haven't been many series performances as ballin as Utley's--to this point.

Just curious. If he continues this dominance what do you all think?

malcolmjamalawesome

11-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Well there's fuckin' wiki answers for ya.

malcolmjamalawesome

11-02-2009, 08:38 PM

I had lunch with Bob Gibson a few years ago and he was a fucking cocksucker.

malcolmjamalawesome

11-02-2009, 08:39 PM

Lol, i don't think "jim longbord" exists

buddy

11-02-2009, 08:42 PM

pedro back in new york trying to stop the yanks from winning the world series. good tv, and should make for good ratings.

humanoid

11-02-2009, 08:43 PM

True. But there haven't been many series performances as ballin as Utley's--to this point.

he's pretty damn locked in right now...but I guess we better see what else happens, because if he goes 0-4 tomorrow, it'll look a lot less impressive

humanoid

11-02-2009, 08:44 PM

I had lunch with Bob Gibson a few years ago and he was a fucking cocksucker.

really?? how did that occur???

he has always seemed like a surly guy

boarderwoozel3

11-02-2009, 08:56 PM

he's pretty damn locked in right now...but I guess we better see what else happens, because if he goes 0-4 tomorrow, it'll look a lot less impressive

Ah yes, behold the power of the caveat :) Going 0-4 would likely spell doom for the fighting phils.

Where have Howard and Tex been so far? Not impressive. Tex looked like he didn't have a clue in that last AB.

paulb

11-02-2009, 11:16 PM

How could they not put in Pena to pinch run for Matsui!?!?!?! Steals 2nd... goes to 3rd on Jeters ground out... comes in to score on Damon's single...8-7, tex strikes out, 2 outs, then theres A-rod...another chance for something.... I couldnt believe that decision.

Still-ill

11-02-2009, 11:35 PM

Tex has like 5 hits in the entire post-season. One was a walk-off game winning home-run, one was a bases clearing double, one was a game tying momentum shifting home-run against the run of play, etc. You'd think one of those would have broken him out of his slump.

buddy

11-03-2009, 03:03 AM

How could they not put in Pena to pinch run for Matsui!?!?!?! Steals 2nd... goes to 3rd on Jeters ground out... comes in to score on Damon's single...8-7, tex strikes out, 2 outs, then theres A-rod...another chance for something.... I couldnt believe that decision.

kinda shocked by that move or non-move myself. what was the logic in keeping matsui in anyways? did giradi think they were going extras, and want to keep his bat in the lineup. didn't make any sense.

malcolmjamalawesome

11-03-2009, 05:45 AM

really?? how did that occur???

he has always seemed like a surly guy

He was doing a speaking engagement for my old employer and we got to have lunch with him and ask questions and he just came across as a real prick.

My complete and utter disdain for the St. Louis Cardinals may have played a role.

humanoid

11-03-2009, 10:50 AM

kinda shocked by that move or non-move myself. what was the logic in keeping matsui in anyways? did giradi think they were going extras, and want to keep his bat in the lineup. didn't make any sense.

it seems like a terrible decision in hindsight, but really he didn't have a lot of other options. Clearly, Matsui, with his busted knees is the last guy you want to see running the bases, attempting to break up a DP to keep the game going...simply not going to happen...

but...Girardi had already used Posada, Matsui, Hairston, Hinske, so Pena was the only player he had left on the bench, so it's tough to burn your last guy...since they were still 3 down at that point....if they were only 1 down, then you for sure use Pena, and go for it....but if they somehow tie it and go extras, then you have no one to play infield if someone gets hurt and you would have no pinch hitters for the pitchers spot

humanoid

11-03-2009, 10:51 AM

Tex has like 5 hits in the entire post-season. One was a walk-off game winning home-run, one was a bases clearing double, one was a game tying momentum shifting home-run against the run of play, etc. You'd think one of those would have broken him out of his slump.

I'm thinking he hits 2 bombs off Pedro tonight and we forget all about his atrocious first postseason as a Yankee

humanoid

11-03-2009, 11:37 AM

and on another note...the Yankees need to put Utley on his ass...he is apparently feeling far too comfortable at the plate and the Phillies have have no trouble using this approach with Arod

Still-ill

11-03-2009, 11:39 AM

I'm thinking he hits 2 bombs off Pedro tonight and we forget all about his atrocious first postseason as a Yankee

Atrocious is Harsh. Those five hits are more than anything the Giambino did in his entire post-season career.

humanoid

11-03-2009, 11:51 AM

Atrocious is Harsh. Those five hits are more than anything the Giambino did in his entire post-season career.

well that's not exactly true Giambi hit 2 HR off Pedro in game 7 of the 2007 ALCS....forgotten in the hoopla over Aaron Boone's walkoff, but rather huge

Giambi also had 2 very good series against the Angels in 2002 and 2005, just not massive power numbers

atrocious is harsh, but his approach at the plate has been terrible outside of his few big clutch hits

in the World Series Tex has 7 K's in 19 ABs and had 8 in 27 AB in the ALCS...he looks completely out of sorts at the plate, swinging at tons of pitches out of the zone and getting himself out and completely abandoning his usually patients approach

he is still playing outstanding defense though, and I am very glad he is on my team

He has a big game in him

humanoid

11-04-2009, 07:06 PM

Matsui sure is campaigning for another year in pinstripes

superfiction

11-04-2009, 07:09 PM

ughh hate watching a game slip away like this

CuervoPH

11-04-2009, 08:32 PM

I really do not like the Yankees, but as a Dodgers fan living in PA and working with Phillies fans, I'd rather not have to deal with them having back-to-back World Series Championships. So, go Yankees! Of course, if you'd won tonight's game 8-1, I'd have won the office pool, but just don't let this slip away.

gaypalmsprings

11-04-2009, 08:38 PM

http://inchindeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/jeter-arod-gay1.jpg

http://moronland.net/media/pictures/newyorkyankskiss7.jpg

humanoid

11-04-2009, 08:42 PM

stop it GPS, you're turning me on

gaypalmsprings

11-04-2009, 08:53 PM

New York is on top!

Still-ill

11-04-2009, 09:17 PM

Congrats Yanks. I'm glad the Phillies didn't win

seandlr

11-04-2009, 09:18 PM

Matsui deserved that MVP award. Im really glad he got it.

paulb

11-04-2009, 09:21 PM

Matsui was indeed the real MVP of the world series, the great pinch hitting in Philly, tonights clutch 6 RBI! This world series would not have been won without A-rod's contributions, we wouldnt have even made it passed Minnesota.... Yankees truely deserved it this year... Im very excited right now! Finally!

Sexecutioner

11-04-2009, 10:08 PM

ugh...makes me sick.

boarderwoozel3

11-05-2009, 02:06 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/293949076_92dd0b3006.jpg

stinkbutt

11-05-2009, 03:23 AM

Yankees truely deserved it this year...

there is never a time where this statement is ever true

buddy

11-05-2009, 03:29 AM

deserved no, but they were the better team. not a yankee fan; the opposite really, but can't hate the steinbrenners for paying as much as they can to win. you got to blame major league baseball and the union for that, not the steinbrenners.

stinkbutt

11-05-2009, 03:31 AM

I'm well aware but you can't say someone deserved something when they were practically handed it

buddy

11-05-2009, 03:41 AM

don't know if they were handed it, and like i said "deserved" is probably the wrong word. believe me the last thing i ever want to do is to defend the yankees (as a red sox fan), but they worked through a long season like everyone else. not their fault they had the advantage.